ee. A week before that race I did a test run and was able to go twenty miles relatively pain free. And even during the race the knee started acting up around mile six but I pushed through and when I finished there was no knee pain. In fact, since then I haven't had a single issue with my right knee.My left knee is the issue now. I took it (my knee) for a mini test run yesterday and went six miles with less than exciting results. Though Sadie was semi-excited to go on a decent run, she still wants more. And my knee still needs more time.
Most of me is saying I need to just go down to Texas to cheer on my dad and don't even attempt to start the race. But a little part of me is thinking, "Hmmm, if I was able to push through it during a tough 50 Km a few months ago maybe I can push through it again." The Rocky course will be less demanding and time
cut-offs really won't be an issue so I could go as slow as I need. Since it's a loop course the RD says as long as they're still supporting runners doing the 100 then he doesn't see why those doing the 50 can't stay on the course. So it's an extremely generous 29 hour cut-off. And I'd like to be on the course with my dad instead of on the sidelines.As much as I'm trying to talk myself into at least giving the 50 a shot, I really want to have the willpower to skip it and focus on my April race in Spokane, which will give me the time to more slowly build up my running for the rest of the year.
In other news, several issues (specific dates, travel issues, etc) have led to my decision not the run the Comrades Marathon in South Africa this summer. This year isn't the right year for this specific race. This doesn't, however, mean I'm not making an international race trip this year. It just won't be the Comrades. I haven't used my passport in a couple years now and I'm itching bad. Right now I am looking at a July ultra in Iceland. Yes, Iceland. The Laugavegur Ultra Marathon. The timing is much better and, as a significant bonus, it's a trail run (Comrades is a road run). More details to come.
Keep running!
Scott
Scott,
ReplyDeleteI've looked at the Iceland marathon - it looks stunningly gorgeous. We are pretty serious about Reykavik in 2009. Eric's Grandma and Grandpa both came over from Iceland so he really wants to go. Hope it all works out for you!
That is a hard call to make. I know it would be smart for me to say just go and support your dad but man that will be hard not to run it once you are there. What does your dad think??
ReplyDeleteAs for Iceland... always better to run trails and time that is an option over roads!!
I am really not a good person to ask for sensible running advice, but I like to live by the "You never know until you try" motto. We're supposed to be sensible in so many aspects of our daily lives I find it gets quite boring eventually.
ReplyDeleteYo, yo, yo is this mic on? :P (only you could appreciate that LOL)
ReplyDeleteIceland?!!? Whooooaaaaa. Looks pretty cool though, homie!
Conservative me would probably say to not chance it, but I really like Rob's motto of givin' it a shot.
ReplyDeleteIceland sounds like a really great adventure.
Oooh, Iceland. Sounds fun!
ReplyDeletegeepers... I am feelin' pretty bumbed about your knee. I really hope it gets better ... soon.
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it. I had a feeling you were still contemplating. Even if you try it, just be smart. If it's giving you trouble for 6..........
ReplyDeleteGive Sadie dog a big kiss for me.
Say hi to all my relatives if you go to Iceland! Take care of that knee and have fun in Texas, I've got the feeling that you will do fine in the 50 mile.
ReplyDeleteTrail Scat
Just get a new pair of Brooks Cascadia 3's and begin the 50 miler with me. It's 3 loops. If the knee refuses to work you can still run on one leg as fast as I run on two old legs for a loop or two ...or three :)
ReplyDeleteThe other side of that is you could mess yourself up real good if you aren't careful, and an ultra in Iceland sounds magical. Good choice!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. If you hurt yourself real bad, Sadie might run away to my house :-)
I had a feeling you would be rethinking the running...you just don't seem to be much of a "watcher" to me ;)
ReplyDeleteMan that's a tough decision. To run or not to run. I mean it seems like your knee still needs more time, but it's hard to stand on the sidelines and not be doing it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck figuring out what you want to do!
Will you be able to NOT do it once you get there? May as well try...
ReplyDeleteI think if you get there you will be itching to run. I am not very sensible when it comes to race day.
ReplyDeleteIceland would be super cool! Literally.
My buddy is from Iceland, says the weather there changes in an instant, usually from bad to worse. Also if anyone offers you a drink called the black death, best to avoid it. It is pretty tho.
ReplyDeleteI ran the Iceland ultra in 2006. Crap weather but stunning beautiful tour. And the comment on the weatherchanges is 100% correct. A local saying is that if you don´t like the weather, then just wait 10 minutes.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck and see you on Laugavegurinn.